DOCSLIB.ORG

Japan: Aging of the Agricultural Labor Force and Its Solutions

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Japan: Aging of the Agricultural Labor Force and Its Solutions Yixuan Dong Shijiazhuang Foreign Language School Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China Japan; Aging of agricultural labor force Japan: Aging of the Agricultural Labor Force and its Solutions Chapter 1. Introduction With the population aging due to the sub-replacement fertility rate and the large-scale transfer of agricultural labour force towards the cities, Japan's agricultural labour force has large structural defects. The problem is twofold, the lack of new young people and the aging of the agricultural workforce. As a result of long-term accumulation, the disease of aging of Japanese agriculture has emerged, threatening the sustainability of Japanese agriculture and even the overall economic development. At the same time, the aging of the agricultural labour force is also causing worldwide concern. Many developed and developing countries are or will soon face the test of aging agricultural labour force. This paper takes Japan as an example to deeply discuss the causes, impact and measures taken by the government to deal with the aging of the agricultural labour force in Japan, and at the same time provide Suggestions for the impact of aging on agriculture in other countries. Chapter 2. Background Information 2.1 Overview of Japanese agriculture Japan is an island country consisting of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and about 3900 small islands. With a total land area of 37.78 square kilometers and a population of 125.2 [1] million, it is the ninth biggest agricultural producer in the world. J​ apanese agriculture is a ​ typical miniature agricultural structure, which realizes agricultural modernization on the basis of decentralized and small-scale peasant household management. Though Japan is a global powerhouse across many industries, the agricultural sector has been an exception. Agriculture, farming and fishing form the primary sector of economic industry [2] in Japan, but they account for only 1.2% of its national product. T​ he number of agricultural ​ operators is 1.4 million. Among them, the number of organizational entities was 36,000, and [3] the number of legal entities engaged in agricultural production was 233,400. T​ he shortage ​ of arable land and the lack of agricultural labour force are the main factors that restrict the development of Japan’s agriculture. 2.2Aging of Japan’s agricultural labour force Japan has been experiencing the issue of population aging to an unprecedented degree. More than 20 percent of Japan’s populations are over 65 years old, which becomes the highest [4] proportion in the world. U​ nder this circumstance, Japan’s agricultural labour force is also ​ aging prominently. From 1995 to 2010, the amount of labour force in the field of agriculture has dropped from 4.14 million to 2.39 million. Over the same period, the average age of this group has increased from 59.1 years old to 65.8 years old.[5] In 2010, the proportion of the backbone labour force above 60 ​ years old is as high as 72.6%. The labour force above 70 years old is 45.5%, compared with 4.8% of the labour force under 39, what is more serious is that at the peak of retirement of elderly agricultural workers, young farmers are still losing their labour.[6] From 2006 to 2010, both in ​ absolute numbers and in relative numbers, the agricultural labour force aged 70 or above has increased, while the labour force of all other age groups decreased. Specifically, in 2006, the number of backbone agricultural labour force under the age of 49 was 266,000. However, in 2010, it dropped to 210,000. The number of key agricultural workers aged 70 or above increased from 844,000 in 2006 to 870,000 in 2010, representing an increase of 21%.[7] The data shows that ​ Japan's agricultural labour force will confront a serious shortage in the future, especially lacking in young labour. Figure 1 Japan's agricultural population and the proportion of farmers 65 and older.[8] ​ Figure 2: Agriculture value added to Japan’s GDP.[9] ​ Chapter 3. The Impact of Aging Agricultural Labor Force on Japan’s Agriculture 3.1 Decline in the Quality of the Labour Force ​ ​ With the growth of age, the physical quality of the elderly labour force is declining, because they do not have the energy to efficiently complete the agricultural task of heavy physical labour. Older workers are slower to accept new knowledge, science and technology than their younger counterparts, and less able to adapt to emerging industries. New product development and technological innovation of enterprises are also affected. In the context of rapid development of science and technology, accelerated progress of knowledge and increasingly fierce competition, the aging of the labour population is more adverse to the improvement of labour productivity and economic growth. 3.2. The Negative Impact on the Insufficient Supply of Agricultural Products Aging leads to a single type of agricultural supply. Japan's disconnect between agricultural production and consumption is linked to an aging labour force. Rice was once Japan's staple food, what came with the postwar economic were but postwar economic progress brought a diversification of food composition, increased consumption of meat, eggs, refined flour and the "small variety" nature of agricultural consumption. However, due to the lack of participation of young family labour force, the backbone of agricultural labour force is mainly "two-person farming" of elderly couples and the "one-person farming" of widowed elderly people. [10] Influenced by traditional ideas, the elderly are in short of market sensitivity which ​ includes the timely information about price, tendency of the customers’ demand. They rely on the plantings of rice production than other crops, grains or vegetables. The land utilization rate was reduced, the production structure was not as fluid, the agricultural management in Japan was lifeless, and the production structure could not adapt to the change in market demand. 3.3 The Impact of High Social Security Investment on the Decrease of Investment in Agricultural Development The Japanese government’s fiscal problems have always been serious, so funding is very important. Because of the population aging, the cost of social security relationship fees increases ever year, reaching 31,532,600 million yen in 2018, which took up 33.1% of the total expenditure. The high cost of social security limits the funding available for other investments such as agriculture. In 2018, the government’s invested capital on food security was 1,028,200 million yen, just 1.1% of the total expenditure. [11] The lack of investment will ​ have a negative impact on the stable food supply, the improvement of rural environment and the sustainable development of agriculture in Japan. Chapter 4. Causes of Agricultural Aging in Japan 4.1 Overall Aging of the Society Population reproduction is the basis of labour force reproduction, agricultural labour force is inevitably limited by the total population structure. Japan's demographic situation is "Sub-replacement fertility", that is, life expectancy is longer, the population is older, and the birth rate is low. According to demographic data released in 2011, 23% of Japan's population is over 65. [12] In the long run, Japan's working-age population is small, the supply of labour is ​ tight, and the competition between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors for young and middle-aged labour is intensified. It is very difficult to improve the rural population structure. At present, in some undeveloped areas, not only is there the "empty nest" of farmers, but even whole villages lack working-age labour force. There are obstacles in the reproduction of agricultural labour force, and it is not enough to make up for the gap of successors. In order to alleviate the agricultural succession crisis, the government intends to include the young urban labour force into the agricultural reserve labour force. However, there are many practical difficulties in guiding the urban population to start business in the countryside. They have no land and lack experience. At the same time there is a learning curve to overcome. Although agricultural enterprises are their ideal agricultural channels, but there are some institutional barriers of inherit system, so the progress is slow. 4.2 The Siphon Effect of the City The urban siphon effect in Japan is remarkable. Every year, big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are attracting young labour from rural areas. Japan has experienced negative growth for nine conservative years, while the population of Tokyo has grown for 22 years continuously, with the number of migrants exceeding 100,000 for nearly four years. In many other places the number of young people has plummeted.[13] Some regions have even introduced policies to attract the return ​ of young people in order to retain agricultural labour, but with little effect. 4.3. Productivity, Low Income from the Industry In recent years, superficially, farmers' income has grown rapidly, but this is mainly due to the growth of non-agricultural income, while agricultural income growth is slow. Due to the improvement of living conditions, farmers' consumption demand has expanded. In order to meet the ever-expanding household expenses, they have to look for employment opportunities in non-agricultural industries. Low agricultural income is inseparable from small scale agricultural management. Japan has less cultivated land and more mountainous areas, and small-scale peasant economy has long dominated agriculture. Although the economic growth after World War II led to the large-scale transfer of agricultural labour force, the decentralized, small-scale agricultural management pattern has not fundamentally changed. Due to the limitation of cultivated area, the agricultural efficiency in Japan has been hovering at a low level for a long time. Low efficiency of agriculture investment slowed the increase of agricultural income which is even lower when accounting for the increase in the cost of agricultural management.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Developing Human Resources and Promoting Diversity
    Material Issue 5 Developing Human Resources and Promoting Diversity Fact Our Action Global Gender Gap Index Ranking Insurance companies deal with intangible products. In order by Country (2012) for us to achieve prolonged growth by continuing to appeal to customers, it is therefore important that we develop a workforce Economic participation Educational Health and Political and opportunity attainment survival empowerment of capable individuals who can provide our customers with real 0 0.50 1.00 0 0.50 1.00 0 0.50 1.00 0 0.50 1.00 1st: Iceland value. Japan is expected to face a serious shortage of manpower 0.7540 1.0000 0.9696 0.7325 Overall score: 0.8640 in the near future due to the rapidly declining birthrate and 2nd: Finland Overall score: 0.8451 0.7847 1.0000 0.9796 0.6162 shrinking working-age population. Furthermore, globally 3rd: Norway Overall score: 0.8403 0.8300 1.0000 0.9697 0.5616 competitive personnel who feel comfortable with a broad range 13th: Germany of values, customs, and business styles are becoming essential Overall score: 0.7629 0.7399 0.9848 0.9780 0.3488 18th: United Kingdom for companies that are increasing their presence in overseas 0.7305 0.9993 0.9698 0.2737 Overall score: 0.7433 markets in line with economic globalization. 22nd: United States Overall score: 0.7373 0.8143 1.0000 0.9792 0.1557 As part of its efforts to enhance the capabilities of each 55th: Singapore Overall score: 0.6989 0.7876 0.9409 0.9719 0.0951 employee, the NKSJ Group is actively promoting workplace 65th: Thailand Overall score: 0.6893 0.6990 0.9888 0.9796 0.0898 diversity.
    [Show full text]
  • Aging Society
    Aging Society FORUM REPORT 005 Aging Society Reexaming Japan in Global Context Forum, Tokyo, Japan, January 13, 2014 Population Aging: Unwinding the Demographic Dividend David K. Foot Department of Economics, University of Toronto The population of the world has been aging for at least 40 better education, which, especially when experienced by years as a result of increasing longevity and decreasing fertil- women, lowers birth rates and population growth thereby ity. Developed countries experienced aging first, but now it is increasing per capita incomes and wealth during Stage III. also being experienced in the increasingly wealthy countries Stage IV is characterised by low birth and death rates and of the developing world. The record in the least developed hence slower population and economic growth, but higher countries is mixed, but many of them also have aging popu- levels of accumulated wealth. More recently, increasing death lations. rates in aging populations have resulted in negative popula- These patterns are consistent with demographic transition tion growth and shrinking population size, with associated theory, which postulates four (or five) stages of population challenges for economic growth. This can be labelled Stage growth and economic development. Stage I is characterised V. Because demographic transition theory is based on a com- by high birth and high death rates resulting in slow popula- bination of lower death rates (or increasing longevity) and tion and low economic growth. In Stage II, economic growth decreasing birth (or fertility) rates over time, it is effectively a results in better public health and a decrease in death rates, theory of population aging.
    [Show full text]
  • Masaaki Shirakawa: Toward Strengthening the Competitiveness and Growth Potential of Japan’S Economy
    Masaaki Shirakawa: Toward strengthening the competitiveness and growth potential of Japan’s economy Speech by Mr Masaaki Shirakawa, Governor of the Bank of Japan, at the Executive Member Meeting of the Policy Board of Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), Tokyo, 28 February 2013. * * * Introduction It is a great honor to have this opportunity to address the executive member meeting of the Policy Board of Nippon Keidanren today. Before I start, let me express my deepest appreciation for the information and views on current developments in economic and financial activities as well as on policy conduct provided to us by all the member firms. Today’s speech is the last one I will give as Governor of the Bank of Japan. However, it was not difficult for me to decide today’s main topic, “toward strengthening the competitiveness and growth potential of Japan’s economy”, because it is the most pressing issue for Japan at present. It is also a very important theme for the Bank of Japan. As you know, at the Monetary Policy Meeting in January, the Bank decided to introduce a “price stability target” and set it at 2 percent.1 This target was introduced based on the recognition that progress would be made by a wide range of entities in their efforts toward strengthening the competitiveness and growth potential of Japan’s economy (Chart 1). For this reason, it is extremely important in conducting monetary policy whether such efforts will actually make progress. In the following, I would like to talk about this theme while paying due regard to the perspectives of macroeconomics, corporate behavior, and economic policymaking.
    [Show full text]
  • The Labor Situation in Japan 2001/2002
    The Japan Institute of Labour The Japan Institute of Labour (JIL) is engaged in the comprehensive research and study of labor problems, collecting and classifying information and data both domesti- cally and internationally, and publicizing them. Another important role of JIL is to inform labor, management and the general public in order to deepen understanding and knowledge of labor problems (Article 1, the Japan Institute of Labour Law). 1. Comprehensive Research and Study on Labor Issues Amid rapid changes in industry and the employment structure in recent years and drastic development of the international community, such as the end of the Cold War, labor issues are becoming increasingly complicated and diversified. In order to cope with such changes, the JIL carries out comprehensive research and study from mid- and long-term perspectives. (1) Research and study for the purpose of providing foundations for assessing, analyzing, and planning of labor policies. (2) Research and study for supporting workers’ efforts to find an appropriate job. (3) Research and study for providing foundations for forming mutual understanding between labor and management. 2. Collection and Provision of Information on Labor Issues The Institute provides you with various types of labor-related information, systematically collected in Japan and overseas, through the Internet, newspapers, books, videos and other media. (1) Provision of information via the Internet (2) Operation of an open center of specialized books and materials (3) Issuance of various publications 3. International Exchanges that Promote Understanding of Labor Issues With progress in international cooperation and the rapid globalization of economies, it is increasingly vital that international mutual understanding be further enhanced.
    [Show full text]
  • Statistical Handbook of Japan 2013, Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan
    STATISTICAL HANDBOOK OF JAPAN 2013 © 2013 by Statistics Bureau Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Japan All rights reserved. Edited and Published by Statistics Bureau Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Japan 19-1 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-8668 Japan Printed in Japan ISSN 0081-4792 http://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/index.htm Preface This handbook is designed to provide a clear and coherent overview of present-day Japan through statistics. It provides statistical tables, figures, maps and photographs to portray conditions in modern-day Japan from a variety of perspectives, including demographics, economic and social trends, and culture. Most of the comments and statistical data for this purpose have been drawn from principal statistical publications available from government and other leading sources. For more in-depth statistical information on Japan, readers are invited to peruse the Japan Statistical Yearbook. We hope that this booklet will serve as a guide in your search for knowledge about Japan. We are always happy to receive opinions or requests from readers. You can also view the contents of this booklet on the website of the Statistics Bureau. September 2013 Masahiko SUE Director-General Statistics Bureau Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Japan Notes for Users 1. The present issue contains statistics that became available by June 30, 2013. 2. Unless otherwise indicated, "year" refers to the calendar year and "fiscal year" refers to the 12 months beginning April 1 of the year stated. 3. Metric units are used in all tables and figures in which the data are measured in weight, volume, length or area.
    [Show full text]
  • How Immigration Can Boost the Japanese Economy by Mitigating the Effects of Population Aging
    105 MAP | REVISTA MUNDO ASIA PACÍFICO | Vol. 9, No. 16 ACTUALIDAD EN ASIA 2020-1 S-F / Shutterstock.com How immigration can boost the Japanese economy by mitigating the effects of population aging Dionisio Andres Castillo Lozano Abstract Universidad EAFIT The economic impact of immigration depends on the characteristics of [email protected] the host countries. Immigration has had positive results in countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK. This paper seeks to demonstrate how Japan would also benefit from immigration. The main barrier to implementing inclusive policies in Japan is the longstanding cultural belief, that immigrants are invaders instead of equal who can enjoy the same rights as native-born Japanese. The aging of Japan’s population is affecting its labor market where there is more demand than supply, meaning that the overall economy is run- ning below its potential. In order to match demand with supply, Japan needs to contemplate the plausible option of letting in more immigrants to fill up vacancies. If Japan fails to do this, it will see a decline in its output capacity, meaning that it will lose competitiveness and productivity with adverse effects on the economy. Key Words: Zainichi Koreans, total fertility rate, sectoral output, gross national product, skilled immigrant, unskilled immigrant. 106 MAP | REVISTA MUNDO ASIA PACÍFICO | Vol. 9, No. 16 Resumen El impacto de la inmigración en la economía del país receptor tiene dife- rentes ramificaciones según las características de estos. La inmigración ha tenido resultados positivos en países como EE. UU., Australia, Canadá y Rei- no Unido.
    [Show full text]
  • Demographics of Japan 1 Demographics of Japan
    Demographics of Japan 1 Demographics of Japan The demographic features of the population of Japan include population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population. As of March 2009, Japan's population is 127,076,183,[1] making it the world's tenth most populated country. Its size can be attributed to fast growth rates experienced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After having experienced net population loss over a number of years, due to falling birth rates and almost no net immigration, despite having one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006,[2] Japan's population rose for a Birth and death rates of Japan since 1950 second year in a row in 2009,[3] mainly because more Japanese returned to Japan than left. The population of Japan in 2000, at New Year, was 127 million. Its population density was 336 people per square kilometer. The population ranking of Japan dropped from 7th to 8th in 1990 and from 8th to 9th in 1998 and 10th since. Urban distribution Japan is an urban society with about only 5% of the labor force engaged in agriculture. Many farmers supplement their income with part-time jobs in nearby towns and cities. About 80 million of the urban population is heavily concentrated on the Pacific shore of Honshū. Metropolitan Tokyo-Yokohama, with 35,000,000 people, is the world's most populous city. Japan faces the same problems that confront urban industrialized societies throughout the world: over-crowded cities and congested highways.
    [Show full text]
  • Population Aging and the Future of Japanese International Travel
    Impact of Population Aging on Japanese International Travel by James Mak, Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, University of Hawaii-Manoa, Lonny Carlile, Associate Professor, Center for Japanese Studies and University of Hawaii-Manoa, and Sally Dai, Research Assistant, East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii Working Paper No. 04-8* Abstract In this paper we forecast Japanese international travel to 2025. In addition to the usual economic variables, our model also captures both population aging and cohort effects on Japanese travel abroad. We predict the number of future Japanese overseas trips for males and females separately by five-year age groups and in five-year increments. We conclude that the Japanese will continue to travel abroad in increasing numbers but population aging will dramatically slow overall future Japanese overseas travel. While the number of “senior” travelers is predicted to increase sharply, we foresee fewer overseas trips taken by Japanese, especially among women, in the 20s and early 30s age groups. Finally, we examine the responses of the industry and the public sector in Japan to implications of a rapidly aging population on future international travel. (JEL C530, D120, F140, J140) Corresponding Author: James Mak, Department of Economics, University of Hawaii-Manoa, 2424 Maile Way, Saunders Hall Room 542, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. 96822 [phone] (808) 956 8280 <[email protected]> * Also available at http://www.EastWestCenter.org/find.asp?it=ECONwp073 2 Impact of Population Aging on Japanese International Travel by James Mak, Lonny Carlile, and Sally Dai1 In 2002, 714 million tourists left their own countries to visit other countries compared to only 25 million in 1950.
    [Show full text]
  • Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement
    Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement Chapter 1 Introduction JSTAR FI rst R E S UL ts 1 Chapter 1 1 Introduction Acknowledgments……………………………...………………...….……..…...3 1.1 Preface…………………….……………………………………………...…6 1.2 Population Aging in Japan…………………………………………….....….8 1.3 Individual Aging: Health, Economics and Social Networks……………....18 1.4 How JSTAR Was Created………………………… ……………..……..…23 1.5 Our Sample: 50+ in Japan………………………................................……26 1.6 The Main Messages of JSTAR……………………………………….……44 1.7 Where Do We Go from Here?......................................................................49 References…………………………………………………………..........……50 2 JSTAR FI rst R E S UL ts Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement Acknowledgments This book was written by the three principal investigators (PIs) of the Japanese Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR). Analogous to the international standard of longi- tudinal panel data on aging and retirement, JSTAR is a large enterprise with multiple researchers and administrative staff involved in the project. Japan was the latest starter to construct a world standard database on aging and retirement among the industrialized countries when this project started in 2005. While Japan has been experiencing the fastest pace of aging among industrialized countries, it was a disgrace that Japan was the only one left behind in the ongoing move toward creating an internationally comparable database on middle-aged and elderly persons. The lack of available data delayed the evaluation of social security policies and made it impossible for Japan to provide valuable experience as the country at the forefront of population aging, despite being closely watched by the rest of the world. Thus, we needed to catch up with other industrialized countries by producing a study as quickly as possible.
    [Show full text]
  • Demographic Transitional Model.Pdf
    Demographic transition Model In demography, demographic transition is a phenomenon and theory which refers to the historical shift from high birth rates and high infant death rates in societies with minimal technology, education (especially of women) and economic development, to low birth rates and low death rates in societies with advanced technology, education and economic development, as well as the stages between these two scenarios. Although this shift has occurred in many industrialized countries, the theory and model are frequently imprecise when applied to individual countries due to specific social, political and economic factors affecting particular populations. However, the existence of some kind of demographic transition is widely accepted in the social sciences because of the well-established historical correlation linking dropping fertility to social and economic development.[1] Scholars debate whether industrialization and higher incomes lead to lower population, or whether lower populations lead to industrialization and higher incomes. Scholars also debate to what extent various proposed and sometimes inter-related factors such as higher per capita income, lower mortality, old-age security, and rise of demand for human capital are involved.[2] Demographic transition overview, with below-replacement-fertility broken out into a "stage 5" History of the theory Edit The theory is based on an interpretation of demographic history developed in 1929 by the American demographer Warren Thompson (1887–1973).[3] Adolphe Landry of France made similar observations on demographic patterns and population growth potential around 1934.[4] In the 1940s and 1950s Frank W. Notestein developed a more formal theory of demographic transition.[5] By 2009, the existence of a negative correlation between fertility and industrial development had become one of the most widely accepted findings in social science.[1] Summary of the theory Edit Demographic change in Germany, Sweden, Chile, Mauritius, China from 1820 to 2010.
    [Show full text]
  • Interim Report IR-01-009/February Aging in Japan
    International Institute for Tel: +43 2236 807 342 Applied Systems Analysis Fax: +43 2236 71313 Schlossplatz 1 E-mail: [email protected] A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria Web: www.iiasa.ac.at Interim Report IR-01-009/February Aging in Japan: Causes and Consequences Part II: Economic Issues David E. Horlacher ([email protected]) Revised and updated August 2002 Approved by Landis MacKellar ([email protected]) Project Leader, Social Security Reform February 2001 Interim Reports on work of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis receive only limited review. Views or opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Institute, its National Member Organizations, or other organizations supporting the work. Contents Introduction .......................................................................................................................1 I. GDP and the Distribution of Income and Assets ......................................................2 A. Size and Growth Rate of GDP ..............................................................................2 B. Income Distribution...............................................................................................4 C. Distribution of Assets............................................................................................5 II. The Growth of Physical Capital Will Slow...............................................................6 A. Savings Rates........................................................................................................6
    [Show full text]
  • Is the Aging of Society a Threat to Japan?
    NIRA REPORT | 2010.５ Is the Aging of Society a Threat to Japan? -Increasing Productivity in the Next Decade is the Key- NIRA Report Is the Aging of Society a Threat to Japan? -Increasing Productivity in the Next Decade is the Key- *The Japanese version of this report was published in November, 2009. Copyright Ⓒ 2010 by National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA) Publisher National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA) Yebisu Garden Place Tower, 34th Floor 4-20-3, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6034, Japan (URL:http://www.nira.or.jp/english) For more information： [email protected] Tel +81-3-5448-1735 Fax +81-3-5448-1744 1 Contents Chapter 1 Statement of Problem and Overview of Study ................................................. 3 Hiromichi Shirakawa BOX 1: Looking at Productivity ....................................................................... 14 Hisakazu Kato BOX2: Survey of Literature concerning Employee Age and Productivity ...................................................................................... 17 Kensuke Miyazawa Chapter 2 Empirical Analysis of Population and Technological Progress..................... 23 Hisakazu Kato Chapter 3 Empirical Analysis of Relationship between Worker Age, Productivity and Real Wages ................................................................. 48 Hiromichi Shirakawa Chapter 4 Estimates of Labor Productivity from the Perspective of Age Groups ...... 72 Masatoshi Jinno Chapter 5 Aging of the Population and Employment among the Young: A Reconsideration of the Relationship .................................................. 88 Souichi Ohta 2 Chapter 1 Statement of Problem and Overview of Study Hiromichi Shirakawa [Abstract] The main purpose of this report is to respond to the question of what effect the aging of Japan’s society and the decline of its population will have on the nation’s economic productivity. It is highly possible that the aging and decline of the population will result in a decline in the growth of productivity in the Japanese economy.
    [Show full text]